Learn how to make cosmetics from scratch

Making your own cosmetics is a great way to ensure the ingredients are pure and natural, and to minimize wasteful, non-recyclable packaging. Most of the following recipes use familiar ingredients that you can find at the supermarket or health food store, such as arrowroot powder, cornstarch, cocoa powder, activated charcoal, and coconut oil. Links are in title.

Activated charcoal is pure black powder, which makes it perfect for makeup purposes. If you can apply it dry, it may feel a bit gritty but it will stay put. Add oil for a smoother feel, but watch out for smudging. One word of caution: Be sure to source coal-free charcoal, such as Nature’s Way that makes its charcoal from burned coconut shells. If you can’t, then try the following recipe instead.

This eyeliner is made from burned almonds, which is a traditional way of making ‘kohl’ or ‘kajal’ in the Middle East and India. This recipe calls for the addition of ghee (clarified butter), but you can also use coconut oil.

This recipe is a DIY and considerably cheaper version of RMS Beauty’s famous luminizer. Using beeswax, oils, and a touch of mica powder, you can get that same shimmery glow on your cheekbones, lips and eyelids.

This unusual recipe comes from Ariana Schwarz of my all-time favorite zero waste blog, Paris To Go. Using henna, black tea, and oils, you apply the mixture nightly until you reach your desired skin shade and let it set for several hours before rinsing in the shower.